"There's `Castle Hill,' mother!" cried Harry, riding up to the dray in
which Mrs Hugh and some of the girls were seated--pointing as he spoke
to the knoll which he and his companions had so bravely defended against
the blacks, and which could be seen below the range bounding the plain
on the west.

The whole party pushed forward, and by evening were encamped at the foot
of the knoll. Every one was delighted with the situation, while they
felt sure the climate was superior to that of Stratton, although the
soil might not produce the tropical fruits which flourished nearer the
coast. No time was lost in preparing the ground on which to build the
house. To level this sufficiently for the purpose required two or three
days' hard work, but everybody set to with a will. The house was to
face south, overlooking a long stretch of the river, and a boundless
plain beyond, with a view of the picturesque hill on the right.

We must not describe the house building, every one being engaged in it,
except the men absolutely required to herd the cattle and sheep, and
that was comparatively an easy task. Only one outlet required watching,
and the animals were not inclined to stray from the rich pasture on
which they found themselves. The blacks and dingoes had of course to be
looked after; but Bendigo reported that there were none of the former in
the neighbourhood, although it was impossible to say at what time they
might appear.

The house, when completed, was far larger than Stratton, and easily held
the two families; while, according to the captain's design, wings could
be put up on either side for the accommodation of any fresh comers.

Stock-yards and cattle-pens had then to be formed, the latter close to
the river, where the sheep, before shearing, could be washed, a very
important process.

The station being a large one, the gentlemen were often on horseback
from morning until night, going round to the different runs. The huts
were put up in various directions for the accommodation of the stockmen
and shepherds; in some instances in imitation of Castle Hill, or with
small gardens near them, very unusual, it must be owned, in that part of
Australia.

On an Australian farm work never ceases, but at certain seasons there is
less than at other times, and on these occasions pleasant excursions
were made on horseback in various directions by the younger members of
the family.

A party had been formed to visit a waterfal